STATISTICS and

PROBABILITY 11
3rd Quarter
Week 2

Development and Quality Assurance Team

Developer: Annabel C. Cubero

Evaluators: Myracell P. Buenaflor and Danife B. Engcoy
Illustrator: Annabel C. Cubero
Learning Area Supervisor: Regina Euann A. Puerto

Illustration Credits:
Title Page: Marieto Cleben V. Lozada
Visual Cues: Ivin Mae M. Ambos
Disclaimer: This Learning Activity Sheet (LAS) is based from the Self-Learning Modules, Learner’s Materials, Textbooks and Teaching Guides
released by DepEd Central Office. Furthermore, utilization of duly acknowledged external resources is purely of non-profit, for educational
use and constitutes fair use. All Rights Reserved.
 Competencies:
1. Computes probabilities corresponding to a given random variable.
M11/12SP – IIIa-6
2. Illustrates the mean and variance of a discrete random variable.
M11/12SP – IIIb-1
3. Calculates the mean and variance of a discrete random variable.
M11/12SP – IIIb-2

Objectives: At the end of the week, you shall have:

o listed possible values of a random variable and its corresponding
probabilities in a discrete probability distribution;
o used the formula to find the mean, variance and standard deviation of
a discrete random variable; and
o reflected the importance of the lesson in making real life decisions.

Learner’s Tasks

Lesson Overview
The number of heads in tossing a coin, the sum of the number of dots in rolling
a pair of dice, the sum of the numbers on a card drawn from a deck, the body
temperature and height of students are few examples of random variables discussed
in the previous lesson.
In this lesson, you will not only look into the values of the random variable but
will find the probability associated with these values. The concept of probability will
help you make practical decisions especially if you are not sure what will be the
outcome of your activity or experiment.
You will also compute the mean or expected value of a discrete random
variable. The mean or expected value shows the location or the central tendency of
the random variable.
You will also be guided on the process on how to accurately determine not
only the mean but also the variance and standard deviation of a discrete random
variable. Calculating the mean and variance of a discrete random variable will not
only improve your computation skills but will also help you appreciate the richness and
beauty of Statistics which you can apply to similar situations you encounter every day.
Let us start by reviewing important concepts we will use in this Learning Activity
Sheet.

Definition of Random Variable

A variable X whose value depends on the outcome of a random process is

called a random variable. A random variable is a variable whose value is a
numerical outcome of a random phenomenon.

Example:
Toss 2 coins. Let X represent the number of heads as an outcome. The sample
space or possible outcome for this experiment is given by S = { HH, HT, TH, TT }.
X can take x = 2, because X can have 2 heads as {HH}, X can also take x = 1
because it can have 1 head as {HT} or {TH}, and X can also take x = 0 because it can
have 0 head as {TT}. The lowercase x represents the specific value of X.
X is an example of a random variable. The possible values of X are { 0, 1, 2 }.
Disclaimer: This Learning Activity Sheet (LAS) is based from the Self-Learning Modules, Learner’s Materials, Textbooks and Teaching Guides
released by DepEd Central Office. Furthermore, utilization of duly acknowledged external resources is purely of non-profit, for educational
use and constitutes fair use. All Rights Reserved.
1
 Definition of a Discrete Random Variable

A discrete random variable is a random variable which can take on a

finite number of distinct values or simply, the variables whose values are
represented by count data.

Example:
Let X be the number of defective computers in the computer laboratory. This
is a discrete random variable because its possible values are 0, 1, 2, and so on. These
values are obtained by counting.

Probability of an Event E

If each of the outcomes is equally likely to occur, then the probability of

an event to happen is defined by
number of outcomes in the event
P( E ) =
number of outcomes in the sample space

Example:
Suppose two iPhones were tested at random. Let D represents defective
iPhone and N represents non-defective iPhone. Let X represent the random variable
representing the number of defective iPhones. The sample space for this experiment
is given by S = { DD, ND, DN, NN }. Hence, the total number of outcomes is 4.

Then, the probability P(x) are as follows:

1
P(2) = or 0.25 since there is only 1 outcome with 2 defective iPhones,
4
that is {DD}.

2
P(1) = or 0.50 since there are 2 outcomes with 1 defective iPhone,
4
that is {ND} and {DN}

1
P(0) = or 0.25 since there is only 1 outcome with 0 defective iPhone,
4
that is {NN}.

Definition of Discrete Probability Distribution

A discrete probability distribution is a listing of all possible values of a

discrete random variable along with their corresponding probabilities. It can be
presented in tabular, graphical or formula form.

Disclaimer: This Learning Activity Sheet (LAS) is based from the Self-Learning Modules, Learner’s Materials, Textbooks and Teaching Guides
released by DepEd Central Office. Furthermore, utilization of duly acknowledged external resources is purely of non-profit, for educational
use and constitutes fair use. All Rights Reserved.
2
 Mean of a Discrete Random Variable

The mean of a discrete random variable X is computed using the following

formula:
μ = 𝑥1∙P(𝑥1) + 𝑥2∙P(𝑥2) + . . . + 𝑥𝑛 ∙P(𝑥𝑛 )
= Σ [x ∙ P(x)]
where;
μ = mean
x = outcome or value of the random variable
P(x) = probability of the outcome x

The discrete random variable X assumes values or outcomes in every trial in an

experiment with their corresponding probabilities. The expected value or mean value
is the average of the outcomes that is likely to be obtained if the trials are repeated
over and over again.
The mean of a discrete random variable X is the measure of the ‘central
location’ of X. It is also called the expected value of X. It is the weighted average of
all the values that the random variable X can take.
Imagine the x axis as unbounded see-saw in both directions. If you put weights
which corresponds to the probability P(x) at each associated value x, the mean μ is
the point where the see-saw balance. In other words, it is the center of weights of the
observation.

Variance of a Discrete Random Variable

The variance of a random variable X is denoted by σ2. The variance of a

random variable is the expected value of the square of the difference between
the assumed value of random variable and the mean. The variance of X is equal
to:
σ2 = Σ [(𝑥 − μ) 2 ∙ P(x)]
where;
σ2 = variance
μ = mean
x = outcome or value of the random variable
P(x) = probability of the outcome x

The variance of a random variable displays the variability or the dispersion of

the random variable. It shows the distance of a random variable from its mean. Since
variance uses the square of the unit of measure of X, it is practical to compute the
value of the standard deviation since it uses the same unit of measure as X.
The larger the value of the standard deviation, the farther are the values of x
from the mean. The smaller the value of the standard deviation, the values of x are

Disclaimer: This Learning Activity Sheet (LAS) is based from the Self-Learning Modules, Learner’s Materials, Textbooks and Teaching Guides
released by DepEd Central Office. Furthermore, utilization of duly acknowledged external resources is purely of non-profit, for educational
use and constitutes fair use. All Rights Reserved.
3
more concentrated around the mean. The value of the variance and standard
deviation is always positive.

Standard Deviation of a Discrete Random

Variable
The standard deviation of a random variable X is the square root of
variance denoted by σ.

σ = ඥΣ [(𝑥 − μ) 2 ∙ P(x)]
where;
σ = standard deviation
μ = population mean
x = outcome or value of the random variable
P(x) = probability of the outcome x

Illustrative Example:
Liza wanted to help her family earn money in this time of pandemic. She
decided to sell facemasks online. She recorded her sales for the first ten days. The
number of boxes sold for ten days is shown below.

Day No. of Boxes (x)

1 37
2 35
3 45
4 50
5 45
6 37
7 42
8 40
9 42
10 50

a. Construct a discrete probability distribution in tabular form.

b. What is the probability that 42 or more boxes will be delivered in a day?
c. What is the probability that the number of boxes delivered will be at least 37
but not more than 45?
d. What is the probability that at most 40 boxes will be delivered in a day?
e. Compute the mean, variance and standard deviation.
f. How much is Liza’s daily average income if she has a net gain of 10 pesos per box?

Disclaimer: This Learning Activity Sheet (LAS) is based from the Self-Learning Modules, Learner’s Materials, Textbooks and Teaching Guides
released by DepEd Central Office. Furthermore, utilization of duly acknowledged external resources is purely of non-profit, for educational
use and constitutes fair use. All Rights Reserved.
4
Solution:

Let X be the number of boxes of facemask sold.

a. Discrete Probability Distribution of the Number of Facemask Sold

No. of boxes P(x)

x Explanation:

35 1 Liza recorded the number of facemasks sold in

or 0.1
10 10 days thus, the number of outcomes in the
sample space is 10. And since
37 2
or 0.2 1
10 35 boxes are sold on day 2, P(x = 35) =
10
2
37 boxes are sold on days 1 and 6, P(x = 37)= .
40 1 10
or 0.1
10 1
40 boxes are sold on day 8, P(x = 40) = .
10

2 2
42 or 0.2 42 boxes are sold on days 7 and 9, P(x = 42) = .
10 10
2
45 boxes are sold on days 3 and 5, P(x = 45) = .
10
45 2
or 0.2 2
10 50 boxes are sold on day 4 and 10, P(x = 50)= .
10

50 2
or 0.2
10

b. The probability that 42 or more boxes will be delivered in a day means P(x ≥ 42).
This means that you have to add P(x = 42), P(x = 45) and P(x = 50).

P(x ≥ 42) = P(x = 42) + P(x = 45) + P(x = 50)

2 2 2
= + +
10 10 10
6
= or 0.6
10

c. The probability that the number of boxes delivered will be at least 37 but not more
than 45 means P(37 ≤ x < 45). This means that you have to add P(x = 37), P(x = 40),
and P(x = 42).
P(37 ≤ x < 45) = P(x = 37) + P(x = 40) + P(x = 42)
2 1 2
= + +
10 10 10
5
= or 0.5
10

d. The probability that at most 40 boxes will be delivered in a day means P(x ≤ 40).
This means that you have to add P(x = 35), P(x = 37) and P(x = 40).

P(x ≤ 40) = P(x = 35) + P(x = 37) + P(x = 40)

1 2 1
= + +
10 10 10
4
= or 0.4
10

Disclaimer: This Learning Activity Sheet (LAS) is based from the Self-Learning Modules, Learner’s Materials, Textbooks and Teaching Guides
released by DepEd Central Office. Furthermore, utilization of duly acknowledged external resources is purely of non-profit, for educational
use and constitutes fair use. All Rights Reserved.
5
e. To compute for the mean, variance and standard deviation, use the following
table:

P(x) x ∙ P(x) x-𝛍 (𝐱 − 𝛍)

𝟐
(𝐱 − 𝛍)
𝟐
∙ P(x)
35 0.1 3.5 -7.3 53.29 5.329
37 0.2 7.4 -5.3 28.09 5.618
40 0.1 4 -2.3 5.29 0.529
42 0.2 8.4 -0.3 0.09 0.018
45 0.2 9 2.7 7.29 1.458
50 0.2 10 7.7 59.29 11.858

𝛍 = Σ [x ∙ P(x)] = 42.3 σ2 = Σ [(𝒙 − 𝛍) 𝟐 ∙ P(x)] = 24.81

σ = ඥ𝚺 [(𝒙 − 𝛍) 𝟐 ∙ 𝐏(𝐱)]
σ = √𝟐𝟒. 𝟖𝟏 = 4.98

Steps in accomplishing the table above.

1. The first two columns x and P(x) are obtained from (a).
2. To find x ∙ P(x), multiply the values of x in column 1 by the values of P(x) in column
2.
3. To find the mean μ, add the values of x ∙ P(x) in column 3.
4. To find x - μ, subtract each value of x in column 1 by μ = 42.3.
5. To find (𝑥 − μ) 2 , square each value of x – μ in column 4.
6. To find (𝐱 − 𝛍)𝟐 ∙ P(x), multiply the values of (x − μ)2 in column 5 by the values
of P(x) in column 2.
7. To compute for the variance σ2, add the values of (𝐱 − 𝛍)𝟐 ∙ P(x) in column 6.
8. Since the variance σ2 = 24.81, the standard deviation σ is equal to the its square
root. thus σ = √24.81 = 4.98.
f. Since Liza’s average sales per day is 42.3 boxes and if her net profit per box is 10
pesos, her daily average income in selling facemask is (42.30)(10) = 423.00 pesos.

Alternative Method

The variance of a discrete random variable X can also be determined by

subtracting the square of its mean from the summation of the products of the
squares of the outcomes and their corresponding probabilities. Hence, the
following formula:
σ2 = [Σ ( 𝑥 2 ∙ P(x)] – μ 2
where;
σ2 = variance
μ = mean
x = outcome or value of the random variable
P(x) = probability of the outcome x

Disclaimer: This Learning Activity Sheet (LAS) is based from the Self-Learning Modules, Learner’s Materials, Textbooks and Teaching Guides
released by DepEd Central Office. Furthermore, utilization of duly acknowledged external resources is purely of non-profit, for educational
use and constitutes fair use. All Rights Reserved.
6
Activity 1. Study the illustration below and answer the questions that follow. Write
your answer in a separate sheet of paper.

The spinner below is divided into eight sections. Let X be the score where the arrow
will stop (numbered 1, 2, 3, and 4 in the figure below).

Questions:
1. What are the values of X?
2. Find the probability of landing on 1, 2, 3 and 4?
3. Construct a discrete probability distribution
for the random variable X.

Activity 2. Use the discrete probability distribution in Activity 1. Copy the table and
compute the mean, variance and standard deviation. Write your answer in a
separate sheet of paper.

x P(x) x ∙ P(x) x-μ (x − μ)

2
(x − μ)
2
∙ P(x)

μ = Σ [x ∙ P(x)] = σ2 = Σ [(𝑥 − μ) 2 ∙ P(x)] =

σ = ඥΣ [(𝑥 − μ) 2 ∙ P(x)] =

Activity 3. Explain your answer. Use a separate sheet of paper for your answer.

Your friend Eric challenged you to play a dart using the spinner above. He told
you that he will give you 25 pesos if you will throw and land on number 3 and in return
you will give him 20 pesos if he can throw and land on number 2. Will you accept his
deal? Why or why not?

Disclaimer: This Learning Activity Sheet (LAS) is based from the Self-Learning Modules, Learner’s Materials, Textbooks and Teaching Guides
released by DepEd Central Office. Furthermore, utilization of duly acknowledged external resources is purely of non-profit, for educational
use and constitutes fair use. All Rights Reserved.
7
 Formative Test

Let us see how far you have learned about our lesson. Consider the problem below
and answer the questions that follow. Write your answer in a separate sheet of paper.

The number of COVID – 19 patients seen in the ER in a given hour is a random

variable represented by X. The probability distribution for X is presented as follows:

COVID - 19 Patients and its Probability

0.45
0.4
0.35
0.3
0.25
P (x)

0.2
0.15
0.1
0.05
0
15 16 17 18 19
Number of Patients , x

1. Find the probability that in the given hour:

a. exactly 17 patients arrive;
b. at most 17 patients arrive; and
c. at least 17 patients arrive.

2. Use the formula to compute the:

a. mean,
b. variance and standard deviation.

Answers Key

Activity 1.
1. X = { 1, 2, 3, 4 }
3 3 1 1
2. P(x = 1) = ; P(x = 2) = ; P(x = 3) = ; and P(x = 4) = .
8 8 8 8
3. Discrete Probability Distribution of X

x P(x)
3
or 0.375
8
1
3
or 0.375
8
2
1
or 0.125
8
3
1
or 0.125
8
4

Disclaimer: This Learning Activity Sheet (LAS) is based from the Self-Learning Modules, Learner’s Materials, Textbooks and Teaching Guides
released by DepEd Central Office. Furthermore, utilization of duly acknowledged external resources is purely of non-profit, for educational
use and constitutes fair use. All Rights Reserved.
8
 Activity 2

x P(x) x ∙ P(x) x-μ (x − μ)2 (x − μ)2 ∙ P(x)

1 0.375 0.375 -1 1 0.375
2 0.375 0.75 0 0 0
3 0.125 0.375 1 1 0.125
4 0.125 0.5 2 4 0.5
σ = Σ [(𝑥 − μ) ∙ P(x)] = 1
2 2

μ = Σ [x ∙ P(x)] = 2 σ = ඥΣ [(𝑥 − μ)2 ∙ P(x)] = 1

Activity 3
Answers may vary.

(Possible answer) I will not accept the deal because it is not fair. The probability
of throwing and landing on number 2 is higher which is P(2) = 0.375 compared to the
probability of throwing and landing on number 3 which is only P(3) = 0.125.

References

Mercado, Jesus P., et.al. (2016). Next Century Mathematics, Statistics and Probability,
pp. 19 - 41, Quezon Avenue, Quezon City, Philippines. Phoenix Publishing House,
Inc.
PIVOT 4A Learner’s Material. Statistics and Probability. First Edition. Department of
Education - Region 4A CALABARZON

Disclaimer: This Learning Activity Sheet (LAS) is based from the Self-Learning Modules, Learner’s Materials, Textbooks and Teaching Guides
released by DepEd Central Office. Furthermore, utilization of duly acknowledged external resources is purely of non-profit, for educational
use and constitutes fair use. All Rights Reserved.
9